DELYN’s MS has welcomed a support scheme to help those who may face financial difficulties if asked to self-isolate.

The Welsh Government has introduced a financial support scheme, which launches on Monday, to support those on lower incomes who are unable to work from home if they are asked to quarantine by Test, Trace, Protect.

The scheme is designed to provide individuals on a low income with a one-off payment of £500 if they test positive for coronavirus, and are unable to work from home and would therefore suffer a loss of income.

For individuals who are advised to self-isolate as they have been identified as a close contact, they will be able to apply twice for the scheme.

From 3pm on Monday, November 16, residents in Flintshire who have been asked to self-isolate on or after October 23, will be able to apply to the scheme in order to gain financial support.

The scheme will be administered by Flintshire County Council.

Welcoming the launch of the scheme, Hannah Blythyn MS said: “Self-isolation plays a key role in our fight against the spread of coronavirus and that is why it is vitally important that those who are asked to self-isolate, do so for the required amount of time.

“For many people they will be unable to work from home and will therefore face a loss of income.

“That is why I welcome the efforts of the Welsh Government to ensure that those who self-isolate are financially supported, so they can play their part in preventing the spread of the virus.”

Self-isolation has been described as a key part of preventing the spread of coronavirus.

The Welsh Government has also introduced a duty to self-isolate which applies to both employers and individuals.

Under the new duty, employers have a responsibility to allow individuals who have been advised by Test, Trace, Protect to self-isolate, to do so for the required amount of time.

This also applies to individuals who are asked to self-isolate, putting a legal duty on them to self-isolate for the required amount of time.

The Delyn MS added: “If any constituents or employers have any questions about self-isolation or any other issues then please get in touch with me.”

Ms Blythyn can be contacted on 01352 762102 or at Hannah.Blythyn@senedd.wales.